Sengakuji Temple

The Story of the Ako Rōshi and Sengaku-ji Temple

One of Japan’s most famous tales of loyalty and honor is the story of the “Ako Rōshi,” also known as the Forty-Seven Rōnin. It is a true historical event that took place in the early 18th century, during Japan’s Edo period, and it remains a symbol of the samurai spirit. The temple most deeply connected to this story is Sengaku-ji, located in Minato, Tokyo. Today, many visitors from around the world come here to pay their respects and learn about this remarkable story.

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The Background: Loyalty and Tragedy

In 1701, a samurai lord named Asano Naganori, ruler of the Ako domain (in modern Hyōgo Prefecture), was assigned to serve at the shogun’s court in Edo Castle. There he encountered Kira Yoshinaka, a senior official known for arrogance and corruption. Kira insulted and humiliated Asano repeatedly, expecting bribes that Asano refused to pay. Finally, Asano’s patience broke — he drew his sword and attacked Kira inside the shogun’s palace, a grave crime at that time.

For drawing a weapon within the castle, Asano was immediately ordered to commit seppuku (ritual suicide), while Kira was left unpunished. Asano’s lands were confiscated, and his samurai retainers suddenly became rōnin — masterless warriors. They were forbidden to take revenge or serve another lord.

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The Revenge of the Forty-Seven Rōnin

Despite this, Asano’s chief retainer, Ōishi Kuranosuke, and 46 other loyal followers secretly vowed to avenge their lord’s death. For nearly two years, they hid their plan — living as ordinary townsmen, merchants, or monks — to make the authorities believe they had abandoned their samurai pride.

Then, on a snowy night in December 1702, the 47 rōnin gathered in Edo and stormed Kira’s mansion. They fought fiercely but with discipline, killing Kira and cutting off his head. They then marched across the city to Sengaku-ji Temple, carrying Kira’s head to their master’s grave, where they placed it as an offering and reported that they had fulfilled their duty.

Afterward, the 47 rōnin surrendered to the shogunate. Though their act was against the law, the public admired them for their loyalty and courage. The shogun, moved by their faithfulness, allowed them to die with honor through seppuku rather than execution. They were all buried together at Sengaku-ji Temple beside their master, Lord Asano.

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Sengaku-ji Temple Today

Sengaku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple of the Sōtō sect, originally built in 1612. It became famous after the Ako Rōshi were buried there in 1703. Today, the temple grounds are quiet and solemn, with stone graves of the 47 rōnin arranged around Lord Asano’s tomb. Visitors often leave incense sticks to honor their spirits — a simple act of respect that even foreign visitors are welcome to perform.

Nearby stands a small museum called the Ako Gishi Memorial Hall, displaying the original weapons, armor, letters, and documents related to the rōnin. You can also see statues of Ōishi Kuranosuke and his men. Here, you can feel the era of the Chushingura, which occurred 300 years ago, right before your eyes.

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The Annual Festival

Every year on December 14th, the anniversary of the rōnin’s revenge, Sengaku-ji hosts the Ako Gishi Festival (赤穂義士祭). People from all over Japan come to honor the 47 warriors. A parade of people dressed as samurai marches through the streets, accompanied by drumming, chanting, and offerings. The temple is illuminated, and food stalls line the road, creating a lively yet respectful atmosphere that bridges history and the present.

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Meaning and Legacy

The story of the Ako Rōshi embodies the Japanese concept of “chūgi” (忠義) — loyalty, honor, and duty. For centuries, the Forty-Seven Rōnin have been celebrated in plays, literature, and movies, both in Japan and abroad. Western audiences may recognize the tale from the film 47 Ronin, but the true history at Sengaku-ji tells a deeper story — not just of revenge, but of moral choice, sacrifice, and integrity.

Even today, Japanese people visit Sengaku-ji to reflect on what it means to be loyal and true to one’s principles. The temple remains a quiet place of remembrance, where visitors can stand before the graves of real men who chose honor over life.

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Visiting Information

• Location: 2-11-1 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2 minutes’ walk from Sengakuji Station (Toei Asakusa Line or Keikyu Line)
• Hours: The temple grounds are open daily; the museum has separate opening hours (small admission fee).
• Tips: Please behave respectfully, as this is a sacred site. Lighting incense at the graves is customary. Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas.

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A Place Where History Lives

For travelers seeking to understand the heart of Japan’s samurai spirit, Sengaku-ji is more than a temple — it is a story carved in stone. The graves of the Forty-Seven Rōnin stand as a timeless reminder that loyalty, courage, and faithfulness are values that transcend time and culture.

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Sengakuji Temple